Tidbits

By Ho Yi / Staff Reporter

Located off Taipei’s Zhongxiao East Road, La Cigale Rouge takeout joint is far removed from the usual stalls serving yansuji (鹽酥雞, or deep-fried chicken with basil) or luwei (滷味, snack food boiled in a soy sauce stock). Run by French expat Jerome Pelourson and his Taiwanese wife, the tidy establishment serves up simple, hearty French fare on a par with that found at dine-in restaurants with fancy trappings.

Said to follow a family recipe, Pelourson’s quiche (NT$150) comes in two flavors, mushroom or ham, and certainly surpasses the bland versions found at most glossy cafes. Another pleasant surprise is the beef bourguignon (NT$270). The meat is slowly cooked to a melt-in-the-mouth tenderness, and the thick red wine sauce is pleasantly rich.

Though the eatery mostly provides take-out food, patrons can also enjoy a satisfying meal at the pair of roadside tables that face a bustling alley. Order food by telephone to avoid waiting, and calling ahead of time is a must if you want to sample Pelourson’s whole roast chicken (NT$600).